Computed tomography (CT) for children: What to know before - during - after the scan

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Thi Hau - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.
The increased use of computed tomography (CT) in children during emergency room visits has raised concerns about adult radiation exposure and cancer risk in children.

1. Complications of CT lung scan for children

The incidence of cancer after computed tomography (CT) in children is very small, only about two cases of cancer per 10,000 children with CT scans, but experts still recommend only CT scans for babies when really necessary and reduce the dose of radiation as low as possible.
A study from the University of Newcastle, UK, surveying 178,000 children who received CT scans between 1980-2002, found that children under 15 years of age had a threefold increased risk of brain cancer if a CT scan 2- 3 times, the risk of blood cancer also triples if the CT scan is 5-10 times.
Like any other diagnostic means CT Scanner is not absolute for all diseases. This technique also has limitations that we need to know to choose the appropriate solution. In some cases, it is also necessary to combine other diagnostic methods such as: MRI, SPECT CT, Scan....
Cause children are of particular concern because children have more radiation-sensitive areas than adults and the effects of radiation can lead to cancer progression later in life. However, this problem is acceptable if the benefits of CT scans for the baby clearly outweigh the risks. The CT scanner can be adjusted to the appropriate amount of radiation exposure for the pediatric patient. To be safe, only take CT scans for babies when prescribed by a doctor.

2. Things to know about CT scans for children

2.1. Before CT

In order to achieve good results before the scan, we must carefully prepare before the computed tomography scan for the baby.
Parents need to inform the child CT scan staff about the baby's condition: Does the baby have any allergies: contrast, other drugs, food, drink... The baby has a medical condition: cardiovascular ,kidney, diabetes, diarrhea, thyroid, asthma... Are you taking any medicine? Especially diabetes medicine, if injected with contrast, it can affect the baby's kidney function. The baby will be injected intravenously to inject contrast or sedation when prescribed by the doctor. Children need to fast, drink 4 to 6 hours before the scan depending on the age of the baby, except for emergencies. Because if your child's CT scan uses contrast or sedation, your child must fast before the scan because the medicine can cause an allergic reaction that can cause vomiting, vomiting, rash or worse. may cause an anaphylactic reaction. In some patients with asthma, an allergy to contrast media can trigger an asthma attack. Therefore, if you eat, drink or suckle before the scan, there is a risk of aspiration of food into the lungs causing pneumonia. Remove all jewelry on the baby such as: glasses, hairpins, earrings, necklaces, belts, depending on the area of ​​the body examined. Because these objects can affect image quality and disease diagnosis. The baby tomography scan process needs to be carefully guided before being performed. If the child is too young or scared, the doctor will give the child a sedative to help him relax. If your doctor has scheduled your child to have a CT scan, you can discuss with the doctor the requirements of the scan and the risk of radiation affecting your child.

2.2.During shooting

During the scan, your child will lie on the table of the CT scanner. The sling will keep the head in place, but will not cover the face.
The child needs to lie still during the scan. Even a small movement can blur the image on CT. Because when tomography for children, especially in children, it is often more difficult than in adults. Most of the children are often agitated, cry and refuse to lie still. This affects image quality and disease diagnosis.
So in some cases, before the scan, the doctor may inject sedation or light anesthesia on your child if the baby does not respond to sedation
In the case of babies, a specialist Anesthesia will put the baby to sleep during the scan and will wake up as soon as the scan is over.
The shooting process will take from 30 to 60 minutes. Preparing for the shoot takes up most of the time, and the actual shooting takes only a few seconds.
The baby's tomography images can be instantly displayed on the computer screen, read and printed. Reconstruction of sections can produce three-dimensional images.

2.3. After shooting

Usually, children are allowed to go home and resume normal activities after a CT scan, such as eating and drinking. However, children receiving contrast agents should wait at least an hour in the hospital to anticipate an allergic reaction.
In more severe cases, an anaphylactic reaction may occur, causing the patient to develop a severe rash or difficulty breathing. This reaction is quite rare, but is potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Nephrotoxicity leading to renal failure is a very rare complication of contrast media used in pediatric lung CT. Children who have diabetes, are dehydrated, or who already have impaired kidney function are more susceptible to this complication.
Doctors will advise the patient to consume plenty of water so that the contrast given at the time of the CT scan of the child's lungs does not harm the kidneys.

3. Where to take tomography for children

Where should I choose tomography for children to ensure reliability and accuracy?
Currently, CT is the imaging method performed routinely at Vinmec International General Hospital.
The procedure of computerized tomography at Vinmec is carried out methodically under the guidance of the medical team of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. Before the CT scan, customers will be evaluated by leading medical experts on their medical history, personal and family history and safety check (check list for computerized tomography (CT) with contrast injection. optical) to ensure the safety of customers before entering the CT room. In addition, Vinmec is now equipped with the most modern CT scanner, meeting international standards for true and clear images, helping doctors to accurately diagnose the disease and the stage of the disease, thereby effective treatment, creating a sense of safety for the patient. Modern, high-tech CT scanners such as 128-sequence CT scan, 256-sequence tomography,...

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